New Hampshire Lawmakers Vote Down Marijuana Legalization Again, Cannabis Ads In Rhode Island & More Pot Regs

New Hampshire Is 'An Island Of Prohibition' Says State Sen. Rebecca Whitley After Marijuana Vote

New Hampshire Senate members voted against House approved marijuana legalization measure on Tuesday, reported Marijuana Moment.

The Senate Judiciary Committee didn't support HB 639 from a bipartisan duo Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R) and Minority Leader Matthew Wilhelm (D). However, the cannabis measure which seeks to allow those over 21 to buy, possess or give away up to four ounces of marijuana would still go to the floor for consideration.

Sen. Rebecca Whitley (D) called New Hampshire "an island of prohibition" as "that [marijuana] money is being spent right over our borders. "I think it's a mistake to ITL this bill," she continued. "I had hoped that we would be able to at least have a discussion about it."

Rhode Island House Green-Lights Advertising For Marijuana

Rhode Island-based cannabis dispensaries, which are currently barred from advertising are now looking forward to expanding their reach and connecting with more customers via a House bill passed unanimously on Tuesday, reported Rhode Island Current. The bill is now heading to Senate for consideration.

Gov. Dan McKee signed the measure to legalize marijuana into law last year, less than 24 hours after lawmakers overwhelmingly passed it. However, he didn't make any appointments to the Cannabis Control Commission, which was planned to weigh in on marijuana advertising.

For now, the Office of Cannabis Regulation will take on advertising responsibilities, under the bill from Providence Rep. Scott Slater (D). "This bill will correct this inequity while also supporting these new local businesses in Rhode Island by hopefully keeping Rhode Islanders from crossing the border to shop for their cannabis in neighboring states," he said.

Connecticut Lawmakers Take Aim At High THC Marijuana Products

A bipartisan push to amend the state cannabis law by imposing restrictions on the amount of THC in cannabis sold in convenience and CBD stores is advancing through the legislature, reported NBC Connecticut.

The bill to set up a stricter rule for the cannabis market was approved by state House members on Tuesday and is heading to the Senate.

"All we're trying to do is make sure that any products that are sold with a significant amount of THC in Connecticut are sold in our regulated marketplace through the dispensaries, where there are labeling requirements, there's per package requirements, there's per container requirements," Rep. Mike D'Agostino (D-Hamden) said.

Newly Formed Law Enforcement Coalition To Streamline Cannabis Policy Reform

The Policy Center for Public Health & Safety announced on Wednesday the formation of a law enforcement coalition designed to serve as a liaison and sounding board to state and federal policymakers on cannabis reform policy.

The coalition will include a range of law enforcement experts and leaders from across the U.S., including rank-and-file law personnel. Ben Kimbro was tapped to direct and oversee this law enforcement coalition.

"The objective of this initiative is to better understand law enforcement perspectives as they relate to cannabis and public safety issues," Kimbro said. "A meaningful dialogue should lead to forward-thinking actions, which support the concerns of law enforcement and provide further clarity around matters of public policy in dealing with the legalization of cannabis issues."

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